Hundreds line Farnham streets for Remembrance Sunday parade to honour fallen heroes

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Farnham on Sunday, November 8, as the town came together to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

The procession set off from Castle Street at 10.30am, making its way along The Borough and South Street to the war memorial in Gostrey Meadow.

Veterans, cadets, serving personnel, councillors and Royal British Legion members marched through the town as crowds gathered to pay their respects.

Welcoming those attending, Mayor of Farnham Cllr Graham White highlighted the importance of remembering those lost in service and supporting serving and former members of the armed forces and their families.

This year's service also marked the 85th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, formed in 1941.

Cllr White said: "For 85 years, Royal Air Force Cadets have inspired generations of young people to reach higher, serve others and realise their full potential."

He also highlighted Farnham's 229 Squadron, one of the first squadrons formed in 1941, and shared how his own sons had benefited from joining the organisation.

Following an introduction from Richard Varley, president of Farnham Royal British Legion, Brigadier Roger Hood read the epitaph, before Hamish Robertson played a lament and Bugler Steve Burgess, of Alder Valley Brass Band, sounded the Last Post.

The town then observed the two-minute silence, remembering those who died in conflict, including the 278 people from Farnham named on the war memorial from the First and Second World Wars.

In his sermon, the Revd David Uffindell, of St Andrew's Church, reflected on how warfare and threats have changed, from the battlefields of the past to modern dangers such as drones and cyber attacks.

He said: “Today is supremely a day of remembering, a day of looking back. Remembering those who have fought in the past and are fighting now in the present, for freedom and for liberty.

"Today is also a day for remembering the innocent, men, women and children caught up in so-called collateral damage, who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and whose lives were changed forever."

Alex Herd read the Kohima Epitaph before wreaths were laid on behalf of armed forces, organisations and dignitaries.

Prayers led by the Revd Uffindell and Dr Fortune Ncube of Emmanuel Church concluded the service, followed by the National Anthem.

The parade then marched to Farnham Town Hall to take the salute.